- Level
- Master Degree
- Duration
- 1 year master degree
- Open intake
-
Off-shoreSep 2027
- Field
- Fine and Performing Arts
- Institution
- Public University
- Offer speed
- Superfast Offer Speed2–3 days
Program overview
A one year master degree in graphic and visual design, covering typography, brand identity, editorial and digital design, illustration and a self directed final project.
Design hiring is portfolio driven above everything else, so what this year produces matters considerably more than the qualification it awards.
Master of Arts in Visual Communication is taught at the Birmingham City University, a UK university with degree awarding powers. Because Master of Arts in Visual Communication is a degree, it supports an application under the UK Graduate Route, which gives two years of unsponsored work in Britain after Master of Arts in Visual Communication ends, or three years for a doctorate. To claim it after Master of Arts in Visual Communication you must be inside the UK on a valid student visa when you apply. One limit applies to Master of Arts in Visual Communication as to every taught course in Britain: the rules introduced in January 2024 stop taught students bringing a spouse or children as dependants, so Master of Arts in Visual Communication cannot support a family move.
The academic bar for Master of Arts in Visual Communication is a bachelor degree with 70 percent. The English requirement is IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.5, and tuition for Master of Arts in Visual Communication is recorded at GBP 18,970 a year. BCU charges no application fee, so applying for Master of Arts in Visual Communication costs you nothing, and no scholarship is recorded against it. Master of Arts in Visual Communication lists three September entry windows, in 2026, 2027 and 2028. Apply Study Visa manages the Master of Arts in Visual Communication application, the deposit, the offer, the CAS and the UK student visa as one process.
What it costs per year · indicative
Living cost is an estimate; tuition is the institute's published international fee. We confirm exact, current figures before you pay anything.
Do you qualify?
These are the published minimums. Whether your profile fits — with your marks, gap and budget — is exactly what a free counsellor check confirms.
Admission requirements
Who can apply (guide for international students):
- Education: A completed bachelor degree from a recognised university, at the percentage stated.
- English (meet any one): IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5; TOEFL iBT 72 with reading 18, writing 17, speaking 20 and listening 17; or PTE Academic 59 with no component below 59. BCU does NOT accept the Duolingo English Test on any course.
- Application and deposit: BCU charges NO application fee, so applying costs you nothing. Confirm the tuition deposit and its refundability in writing before any money is transferred.
- Scholarship: No scholarship is recorded against this course. Budget the full tuition.
- Graduate Route: Master of Arts in Visual Communication is a degree, so it supports a UK Graduate Route application giving two years of unsponsored work after you finish. You must apply from inside the UK on a valid student visa. Students on taught courses cannot bring a spouse or children as dependants under the January 2024 rules.
- Student visa: Apply Study Visa prepares the CAS request, the financial evidence and the UK student visa submission with you.
English requirements
Documents you'll need typical · we confirm yours
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Class 10 & 12 marksheets and certificates
- Bachelor's degree marksheets & final certificate
- English test scorecard (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL) or MOI certificate
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- Updated CV / resume
- Financial proof — bank statement / loan sanction
- Passport-size photographs
- Study-gap affidavit or work-experience letter (if applicable)
Getting documents right is the #1 reason applications succeed or get refused — our team checks every file before submission.
Career opportunities
Typical destinations for graduates:
- Graphic Designer: agencies and in house studios
- Brand Designer: identity and packaging work
- Digital Designer: product and marketing teams
- Illustrator: editorial and commercial commissions
- Art Director: after several years experience
- Freelance Designer: building a client base
Reality check: design studios recruit from portfolios and personal recommendation, so live briefs and internships carry the real weight during the year.
About Birmingham City University (BCU)
- Type
- University
- Ownership
- Public
- Rating
- ★ 4.7
- World rank
- #1189
- Established
- 1843
- Reference No.
- 10007140
